RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) has acquired all U.S. rights to the highly anticipated action/comedy “Once Upon A Time In Venice,” directed by Mark Cullen, which is set to release in theaters and on VOD June 16th. This film is the second collaboration between star Bruce Willis (the “Die Hard” Series) and writers Mark Cullen and Robb Cullen. They previously worked on the action/comedy “Cop Out” in 2010.
“Once Upon A Time In Venice” also stars an ensemble cast including John Goodman (“10 Cloverfield Lane,” “The Big Lebowski”), Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”), Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones,” “Justice League”), Famke Janssen (the “X-Men” Series, “How To Get Away With Murder”), Adam Goldberg (“Fargo,” “Saving Private Ryan”) and Kal Penn (“Designated Survivor,” “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”). Mark Ward, RLJE’s Chief Acquisitions Officer, made the announcement today.
“We are excited to work with such a talented ensemble cast, with Bruce Willis at its helm,” said Ward. “Bruce Willis is an iconic actor known for his action roles and impeccable comedic timing. We’re proud to bring this film to the big screen and various platforms.”
“Once Upon A Time In Venice” tells the story of Venice Beach P.I. Steve Ford (Bruce Willis), a detective who’s good with the ladies, bad with the punches, and wild about his dog, Buddy. But when his beloved pet is stolen by local thugs, Steve makes a questionable alliance with their devious leader, Spider (Jason Momoa). Teaming up with his best friend (John Goodman), Steve pulls out the big guns in search of Spider’s stolen cocaine and cash in order to set things straight and get Buddy back where he belongs.
“Once Upon A Time In Venice” is produced by Nicolas Chartier (“The Hurt Locker”), Laura Ford (“Carolina”), Zev Foreman (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Mark Cullen and Robb Cullen, and is executive produced by Jonathan Deckter (“Colossal”) and Stephen J. Eads (“Live Free or Die Hard”).
RLJE’s Mark Ward negotiated the deal with Voltage Pictures’ President and Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Deckter on behalf of the filmmakers.
